Confrontations stepped up in Mannaar

[TamilNet, Monday, 21 April 2008, 18:49 GMT]
Liberation Tigers Operations Command in Mannaar told media in Ki'linochchi that the LTTE defensive formations confronted two offensive thrusts by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in Mannaar on two fronts Monday morning and that the LTTE mounted an attack on SLA stationed in Koayilmoaddai. 7 SLA soldiers were killed and 21 wounded in the first confrontation at Kaaththaangku'lam between 5:30 and 10:00 a.m. and another confrontation lasted for 2 hours when SLA launched an offensive push from Thirukkeatheesvaram towards Paappaamoaddai.

SLA casualties in the second clash were not known, the Tigers said.

Meanwhile the Tigers launched an attack on SLA posts at Koayilmoaddai at 2:00 p.m. The attack lasted till 4:10 p.m. The SLA suffered heavy casualties in the attack, the Tigers said.

The Tigers have not issued casualty details of their side.